Okere Falls
The Kaituna River flows out of Lake Rotoiti, on its way to the coast of the Bay of Plenty. It leaves the lake as a rushing stream, and less than […]
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A Walk in the Forest
Our house is nestled against a small patch of native forest. On a hot day like today, the woods are lovely, light and deep—and deliciously cool. The trees and ferns […]
“After the Roses”, the sequel to “Daisy’s War”
In November 1918, the Great War is over and the men are coming home. For a brief period, Daisy’s world once again seems a safe and settled one. But no […]
The Great War Exhibition
While visiting Wellington last month, we went to the very impressive Great War Exhibition at the old Dominion Museum. The exhibition takes the visitor on a chronological journey as well […]
Remembering Tangiwai
Tangiwai is a locality to the south of Mount Ruapehu (the North Island’s highest mountain). Tangiwai is ten kilometres west of the town of Waiouru, and the site of a […]
Totara Estate
Totara Estate, a short distance south of Oamaru, was in the 19th century a grand property of 15,000 acres. They ran sheep and cattle, and grew large quantities of grain. […]
Victorian Heritage in Oamaru
Oamaru is a town on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. These days it’s still a vibrant place with much more going on than might be expected in […]
Edward Thomas Gillon: fighter for journalists’ rights
I hold this to be a point of journalistic honour from which no departure is possible. I came across Edward Gillon while reading about his brother, who had a role […]
White Island Disaster: One Hundred Years Ago
In my novels White Island is a familiar sight to Amy and her family, just as it was to me when I was growing up. It’s a highly active volcano, […]
One Hundred Years
One hundred years ago, Britain declared war on Germany. As one of the British Dominions, New Zealand joined in that declaration, and at once offered its own troops. In those […]